THE back-in-business Giants have returned to the top of Super League!

Their performance against struggling Salford may not have been the greatest in the world, but it still easily helped them achieve the required result and get that Bad Friday result at Crusaders out of their system.

Giants chief Nathan Brown made eight changes to the side beaten in North Wales four days ago, with David Hodgson, Joe Wardle, Andy Raleigh, Luke O’Donnell, Dale Ferguson, Jamie Cording, Kyle Wood and Jon Molloy coming in.

Initially, the major reshuffle did appear to create some disruption, with the hosts twice behind in an unconvincing opening quarter.

Although Hodgson was unlucky not to collect a Danny Brough grubber and score within two minutes, it was no real surprise when Salford took the lead after nine minutes.

Having forced the Giants to drop-out from under their post, the City Reds took full advantage as the influential Daniel Holdsworth sent Adam Sidlow charging over from Holdsworth to convert.

Giants wasted little time getting back on level terms when they also made the most of earning a repeat set from a drop-out as two powerful drives from in-form Darrell Griffin paved the way for the equally impressive Luke O’Donnell to crash over from close range. Brough converted and it was 6-6.

But within five minutes the visitors were back in front when a Holdsworth ‘bomb’ failed to be diffused and Mark Henry was on hand to take full advantage for a second converted score.

At that stage a very uncomfortable evening looked on the cards.

Fortunately, the Giants had other ideas as they crossed for three converted tries in the space of eight minutes.

Shaun Lunt set the ball rolling after 25 minutes by plunging over from close range from acting half-back.

Then came the best try of the half.

Kevin Brown’s long pass sent David Hodgson charging down the wing against his former club and he then passed back inside for the supporting Jamie Cording to finish off for his first Giants’ Super League score.

And within moments the lead had been extended to 12 points as Brough’s ‘bomb’ to the corner was collected neatly above his head by Jermaine McGillvary.